A Tissue Specific Magnetic Resonance Contrast Agent, Gd‐AMH, for Diagnosis of Stromal Endometriosis Lesions: A Phase I Study

Abstract

The anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) is a homodimeric glycoprotein member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily, is secreted by Sertoli cells in the embryonic testes and is responsible of the regression of the mullerian duct. The physiological functions of this protein remain largely unknown, and its expression in human tissues has yet to be completely determined. Firstly, we analyzed AMH expression in human tissues by immunohistochemistry. AMH was distributed in many organs, although with different tissue and cell localization and various expression levels; we also demonstrated strong AMH expression in endometriosis tissues. Secondly, we demonstrated the ability of an anti-AMH antibody, labeled with gadiolinium, to be directly detected by magnetic resonance in small endometriosis lesions (5 mm in diameter) in vivo in a mouse model. In conclusion, our data suggest that based on its expression pattern, AMH may serve to maintain physiological cellular homeostasis in different human tissues and organs. Moreover, it is strongly expressed in endometriosis lesions as a selective tissue specific contrast agent for in vivo detection of stromal endometriosis lesions. The potential significance of these findings could be further validated in a clinical setting.

Looking for an effective and non-invasive diagnostic test for endometriosis: where are we?

“…We propose that it will be the combination of the data obtained from the circulating biomarkers and from imaging studies that will most likely represent in a not too distant future the most sensitive and effective combination of diagnostic approaches to endometriosis. The observations generated by our research group about the value of gadolinium-labelled anti-Mullerian hormone as a contrast agent for the diagnosis of stromal endometriosis lesions support this hypothesis (24,25).…”

The role of AMH in the reproductive system of women (a review)

“…Его можно зафиксировать в эктопическом очаге эндометриоза как в эпителиальных, так и в стромальных клетках. Умеренная или высокая иммунореактивность АМГ наблюдается во всех слоях эпителия шейки матки, и, наконец, высокая экспрессия АМГ была обнаружена и в эпителии молочной железы, маточных труб, яичников и миометрия [11]. Данные сведения подтверж-дают возможность использования определения уровня сывороточного АМГ в диагностике многих гинекологических заболеваний.…”

Characterization of adipose-derived stem cells freshly isolated from liposuction aspirates performed with Prolipostem®

“…Immunocytochemistry was performed as previously described (Signorile and Baldi 2015;Spugnini et al 2013). Briefly, fixed cells on microscope slides (4% paraformaldehyde for 10 min) were washed with PBS, then immunocytochemical analysis were made in order to confirm the presence of stem cells.…”